My 500th post....slowly finding my voice.....and a big thank you!

[NRaleighLiberal]

Imagine finding an intense interest in politics at the age of 44....not in terms of becoming directly involved, but an interest that emerged from the horror of the impossibility of the outcome of the 2000 election. That was my entry into Bizarro world, witnessing such corruption and nauseating behavior as I didn't realize was possible in our country. (Sure, the treatment of the great president Clinton by the right for...having sex...drove me crazy, but it was nothing like the endless bad reality TV show shoved at us all since dimwit was presented with the election by the supremes).

But what to do with this frustration? Who to talk to, working in a conservative company, living in a conservative neighborhood. Why, it was when I Googled the term Anti-Bush Web Sites a few years ago and finding DU. I read here voraciously, but was very timid about posting. Though I'm smart and quick, I'm also emotional and better at verbalizing my thoughts - actually, much better at FEELING how I feel rather than rationally discussing, and certainly better than putting pen to ink (or fingers to keyboard, in truth)...but slowly, slowly I dove in...I risked sounding naive, or simplistic - I weathered the hurt when my posts (that I thought so profound) were ignored - probably because I was just stating what hundreds of others before me stated much more eloquently.

And...here I am at 500 posts - a few have been nominated, a few argued with...but it is my voice, it is how I feel. My thoughts will never be perfectly, completely formed - things just fly out of me, and there is never enough time to edit them, make them less awkward! But,I am a proud liberal - I think Cindy Sheehan is a hero. I think we are in big trouble....and it is wonderful to be here with all of you. I sleep better knowing that DU exists. We can do this - the wind is shifting. Thanks to all of you. With the way my emotions are running, it will take me much less time to get to 1000!

[Systematic Chaos]

1. I know just what you mean.

The longer you hang out here, the more you know, and the more you feel like maybe even YOU can make some kind of difference. I'm 36, and I never even bothered voting until the election in 2002. Now I'm starting to fight back at people who publish bullshit articles against Cindy Sheehan and talk to anyone who's willing to listen about things I never would have a few years ago. Next thing you know I'll be volunteering my time for good candidates!

DU is one empowering place, isn't it? :)

[meganmonkey]

2. I'm so glad you have found some comfort here

along with all the information.

Somehow I am rapidly approaching 5,000 posts! It is amazing how quickly they rack up...

This is a remarkable place. It's great that you went from lurker to poster. I appreciate your optimism too!

:hug:

[Cha]

8. Yes, I remember when I Welcomed

you to DU, meganmonkey(that name stands out)! And thanks for all your activism.

[meganmonkey]

12. When I first joined I think this place saved my sanity

just before the election and the following months. What a crazy time! And if I didn't get in my car and find a crowd of peace-loving democracy-loving folks I would go nuts. The best part about DU is now when I trek out to events, I instantly have new friends.

:hi:

[knowbody0]

3. congrats!

i cannot imagine not having DU. amazing how quickly the posts add up. looking forward to much more from you
peace

[MojoXN]

4. Congratulations!

Best wishes for your journey to 1000! Yol Bolsun!

MojoXN

[Extend a Hand]

5. Congratulations on you 500th post

The 's'election of Shrub was what really made me start paying attention too. And the fraudulent election in 2004 finally prodded me to action-- a month before my 43rd birthday. Hopefully more people will wake up and next time we'll help make a difference.

[merbex]

6. Excellent post! The really great thing about DU- besides all the

great information that people bring to this site- is the opportunity that this place affords all of us to develop what you mentioned in your post:

Our voice, our liberal progressive voice, which desperately needed exercising.

[Cha]

7. I don't think I've ever Welcomed you

to DU, NRaleighLiberal! :toast:

Your writing is great..I enjoyed reading about your journey..having a similiar one..starting in 2000 and at the age of 56.

But, my beginning was before the selection, thinking it was time to be involved if I wanted to get Social Security..I should be willing to be politically active for it. Little did I know how right I was and now it's way beyond Social Security, although I've still got an eye on that.;)

[annabanana]

9. nominated...

Just to encourage new members who are "afraid" of these roiling waters. Everyone is finding their voices in this country. This is what will save it!

[NRaleighLiberal]

10. And to mark my 500th I've finally decided on my Avatar.....

what can I say - Sox fan since 1967, so last year made up for many years of tears!

[Mr Rabble]

11. Congratulations! nt

[Booster]

13. I wasn't always as intense about politics as I am now either. It

seemed before that whether it was a Dem or a Repug who became President, you could at the very least trust that person to do what was in the best interest of our country. Talk about a rude awakening. When Bush ran the first time, I said no way could he win because he wasn't intelligent enough to be president; 1st rude awakening. The during the last campaign I said he can't win again because he hasn't done anything right in 4 yrs and he lost all 3 debates big time; 2nd rude awakening. Now I'm into politics with both feet and angry as Hell all of the time. How dare they ruin my country. I'm glad you're here with me, MRaleigh, and hopefully we can get through this nightmare with the help of all DUer's.